Having been invited to speak at a conference on achieving professional and personal success, I began researching goals, goal setting, and goal achievement.  In my refusal to stand before a group of professionals and speak to them about SMART goals, I found this article on HARD goals.  It was the final piece I was looking for to round out my session.  

During business writing courses, a question I typically ask is “who here accepted a job because you knew it required you to write?” Many chuckle and shake their heads – as if! – and occasionally two or fewer raise a hand – attorneys, public communication officers, and those in marketing usually. When collaborating on technical writing projects, I meet many competent and successful professionals who are insecure in their writing skills and uncomfortable with the act. When was the last time you wrote something – something other than an email, a to do list, or a social media post?

Here is why I ask…  

Yesterday, I was asked if I had a morning routine.  I had to think before answering.  Largely because just days before I initiated a new practice – starting my week days by connecting with a person I’ve been thinking about but with whom I haven’t spoken recently.  It didn’t seem fair to refer to a two-day-old habit as a routine yet.  What I realized in that moment is that we all have routines – some of us are just more deliberate about them than others.  

In Same Training, Half the Time, I invite readers to expand on this excerpt from the book – a list of challenges that are driving increased demands on learning.  Please share additional reasons from your experience in the comments of this post.

• 1. Listening Versus Learning. What technology can accomplish in regard to content transmission is unquestionably impressive. Today’s enhanced speed of information and speed of communication leave many people believing training should happen as quickly. And the pace shows no prospects of slowing. Content transmission is not the same thing as learning though. Read that last sentence again—it is foundational to the challenge of this book.

Once upon a time – well a month ago – I attended an open-mic storytelling event and was reminded of the staying power stories possess, the vivid imagery they can create, and how much fun they can be to listen to. We heard five stories that night and I had five unique experiences – the first story informed me, the second deeply moved me, the third motivated me, I laughed hysterically at the fourth, and was reminded of how fortunate I am by the last. That is a lot in the span of 90 minutes or so. And what is more – I remember all five stories clearly – I can see all five of them as mini-movies in my mind right now – weeks later. And that speaks to the power of stories for trainers, those who lead meetings, and – frankly – all of us.